north ranch - Shaggy Chic Pet Boutique and Spa

Transcription

north ranch - Shaggy Chic Pet Boutique and Spa
north ranch
L VING
an exclusive newsletter for the residents of north ranch
Family Spotlight w i th the Smith f a mil y
Business Beat wi th Shagg y Chic Pe t Bo u tiq u e
.
March 2011
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North Ranch Living March
Mention this ad
for a special discount
on the initial exam.
Located In The Courtyard At Westlake
March North Ranch Living
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North Ranch Living March
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
911
805-389-9710
805-494-8200
805-373-1785
800-876-4766
805-497-4900
818 991-0071
Urgent:
Emergency
Fire Department Non Emergency
Police Department non emergency
Westlake Urgent Care
Poison Control
Westlake Village Animal Hospital
Animal Care and Control
805-413-1170
805-373-3725
805-496-1995
805-373-3725
818-706-1613
805-449-2100
818-414-1980
Information:
North Ranch Country Club Estates P.O.A.
North Ranch P.O.A.
North Ranch Country Club
North Ranch Community Center
Westlake Village City Hall
Thousand Oaks City Hall
24 hour Emergency Tree Service
800-655-4555
800-427-2200
800-837-4966
888-892-2253
805-449-2201
805-497-2757
805-522-9400
805-449-SAVE
800-611-1911
805-375-5473
805-658-4619
Utilities:
Edison
The Gas Company
Verizon Cable
Time Warner Cable
City of Thousand Oaks Waste Water
California Water Service
Waste Management
Environmental Hotline
Street Light Repair
Transit Services
Triunfo Sanitation
805-497-6711
805-495-7429
805-497-9339
818-575-9250
805-497-9511
Schools:
Westlake High School
Colina Middle School
Westlake Hills Elementary
Oaks Christian School
Conejo Valley Unified School District
805-449-1309
818-707-9622
805-494-5156
805-381-2744
805-449-2787
818 865-9230
805-449-2660
805-370-0035
805-379-5658
805-373-9332
westlakejuniors.org
Clubs and Activities:
Boys and Girls Clubs at Colina
Triunfo YMCA
Teen Center
Senior Adult Center
Civic Theatre Box Office
Westlake Village Library
Thousand Oaks Library
Westlake Thousand Oaks Chamber of Commerce
Assistance League of Conejo Valley
Westlake Women's Club
Westlake Village Juniors
DISCLAIMER: The paid advertisements contained within this magazine are not endorsed or recommended by N2 Publishing. Therefore, this group may not be held liable or responsible for business practices of these companies. Note: When
community events take place, photographers may be present to take photos for that may be used in this publication.
www.n2pub.com
™
© 2010 Neighborhood Networks Publishing, Inc.
AREA DIRECTOR Gayle Barnes
818-968-0313
gayle.barnes@n2pub.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER Jodai Saremi DPM
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Marvin Steindler
RESIDENT PHOTOGRAPHER Gary Coon
computer support Walter Tramontana
CREATIVE TEAM Christie Joyce Robb Hotchkiss
Erich Nickens Alex Chioini
Katie Sneed Krista DeWitt
March North Ranch Living
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North Ranch Living March
NeighborhoodNews
March North Ranch Living
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Publisher's Note
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Spring is in the air! Not that we had too bad of a winter; all
those sunny winter days we had made us the envy of many.
The great thing about spring is all the flowers come back. Not
to mention all the beautiful green hillsides we see as we drive
around. I have to admit we live in a beautiful place and I think
all North Ranch residents appreciate it!
I want to thank so many of you North Ranch residents who
have been contacting me to share a story. I also met a special
group of neighbors who have opened their homes to each other
and have created a lifelong bond. Thanks for the ideas you have
given us and allowed us to get to know you! North Ranch is a
special community and we have met some of the most interesting people residing here.
Please remember to thank the advertising sponsors who make
NRL possible by visiting them at their locations. Without their
commitment to North Ranch we would not exist.
P.S. There is no Restaurant Review this month due to so many
of us coming down with the flu
See you next month,
Gayle Barnes
North Ranch Living
N2 Publishing
gayle.barnes@n2pub.com
Photographed by Marvin Steindler
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NeighborhoodSponsors
North Ranch Living March
This section has been created to give you easier access when searching for a
trusted neighborhood vendor to use. Take a minute to familiarize yourself
with the businesses sponsoring North Ranch Living.
These local businesses are proud to partner with your neighborhood and
make this newsletter possible. Please support these businesses and thank
them for supporting North Ranch!
AUTO BODY, PAINT &
COLLISION
Westlake Auto Collision
(805) 300-3104
westlakeautocollision.com
CATERING AND
TAKEOUT
Merlin's Kitchen
(818) 597-0016
merlins-kitchen.com
CHIROPRACTIC
Duben Holistic Chiropractic Center
(805) 494-1339
docduben.com
CLEANING RESIDENTIAL AND
COMMERCIAL
Consider It Done
(805) 907-1741
cidcleaning.com
CUSTOM MADE
CABINETS AND
FURNITURE
Casey Design
(818) 706-3147
www.stevecaseydesign.com
ENTERTAINMENT
Cabrillo Music Theatre
(805) 497-8613
cabrillomusictheatre.com
Yogaworks
(805) 371-3030
yogaworks.com
Muvico Theatre
(805) 494-4702
www.muvico.com
FLORIST
Oaks Florist
(818) 991-5444
oaksflorist.net
FINANCIAL SERVICES
MD Wendell Wealth Partners
(805) 230-1908
mdwendell.com
FOUNTAINS
Meadow Gardens
(818) 879-9555
meadowgardensinc.com
New York Life
(818) 294-4699
bakraines@ft.newyorklife.com
West Oak Capital
(805) 230-8282
WESTOAKCAP.COM
FURNITURE
Agoura Antique Mart
(818) 706-8366
agouraantiquemart.com
Asian Furnishings
(818) 865-8257
myasianfurnishings.com
FITNESS
Stevenson Fitness
(818) 707-0123
stevensonfitness.com
Pacific Rim Home
(818) 338-3386
pacificrimhome.com
Total Body Fitness
(818) 991-5410
totalbodyfitnessgym.com
Vintage Villa
(818) 889-8647
vintagevillahomecollection.com
FURNITURE ON
CONSIGNMENT
The Showroom
(805) 914-8869
www.theeshowroom.com
GARAGE DOORS
American Vision Garages
(805) 915-1324
avgarages.com
GENERAL
CONTRACTOR
Smith Bros., Inc
(805) 449-2840
SMITH-BROS.NET
HEALTH &
WELLNESS
Aviante
(818) 661-8732
aviantehwc.com
HOME
IMPROVEMENT
Agoura Sash & Door
(805) 449-2840
agourasashanddoor.com
NeighborhoodSponsors
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HOME MOVIE
TRANSFER & ARCHIVE
Plessner Digital & Archive
(818) 601-9974
plessnerdigital.com
INSURANCE SERVICES
Farmers Insurance
(805) 444-7119
farmeragent.com/bkoors
Steve Smith Insurance
(805) 496-3340
stevesmithinsurance.com
INTERIOR DESIGN &
CONSTRUCTION
Lifestyles Interior Design &
Construction
(818) 706-8825
lifestylesdesign.com
JEWELRY
McClave Jewelers
(818) 370-6629
heartsonfire.com
LANDSCAPING
Gold Coast Tree Service Inc.
(818) 597-0449
goldcoasttreeservice.com
MUSIC
Fun-do-mental Music
(805) 778-1000
Fun-do-mentalMusic.com
RESTAURANT
Bellini Osteria Restaurant & Lounge
(805) 497-8482
belliniosteria.com
PET CARE /
GROOMING
Shaggy Chic
(818) 879-9663
shaggy-chic.com
Bogart's Bar & Grill
(805) 494-4702
www.muvico.com
PET HOTEL & DAY SPA
The Barkley Pet Hotel & Day Spa
(818) 889-2275
thebarkleypethotel.com
Padri Cucina Italiana and Martini Bar
(818) 383-0250
padrirestaurant.net
Rustico
(818) 889-0191
Tuscany-Restaurant.com
The Promenade
(818) 222-3444
www.shoppromenade.com
SPA
Remedy Skin + Body
(805) 244-0244
remedyskinandbody.com
STAINED GLASS
OVERLAY
Billie's Window Fashions and Stained
Glass Overlay
(818) 707-8500
billies.sgodesignerglass.com
PHOTOGRAPHER
Marvin Steindler Photography
(805) 375-4653
marvinsteindler.com
Tuscany
(805) 495-2768
Tuscany-Restaurant.com
TUTORING
Mathnasium
(805) 777-8403
mathnasium.com/thousandoaks
REAL ESTATE
Dilbeck Estates
(805) 367-9189
1000OaksRealEstate.com
SALON/SPA
The Canyon Salon
(805) 777-1144
thecanyonsalon.com
VETERINARIAN
Westlake Village Animal Hospital
(805) 497-4900
westlakevet.com
Integrity Realty
(805) 557-0706
integrityrealty.org
SHOPPING AND
ENTERTAINMENT
The Lakes
(805) 497-9861
www.shoplakes.com
WINDOW
TREATMENTS
Billie's Window Fashions
(818) 707-8500
www.billieswindowfashions.com
Re/Max Estates
(818) 613-0770
readyproperties.com
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NeighborhoodNews
Do you know
a special
North Ranch Living March
north ranch
Mother?
Definition of a "Mom"
The woman who loves you unconditionally from birth. The one who puts
her kids before herself and the one who you can always count on above
everyone else.
Treat her for Mother's Day to a Facial or
Massage at remedy skin + body compliments of North Ranch Living.
It's Mother's day coming up soon and
you have the opportunity to spoil her rotten. It's time to thank mom for all she
has done for you and show her how much
you care.
Just telling her your problems makes you feel better because moms always
know how to make it all go away.
If you have a great mom or know a great mom in North Ranch,
send us an email on why she is special with a photo of you two.
We will send you a gift certificate to treat "mom" to a facial or a
massage at remedy skin + body. Gift certificates are limited and
available on a first come first serve basis.
Please send information to gayle.barnes@n2pub.com.
March North Ranch Living
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NeighborhoodNews
North Ranch Living March
NeighborhoodNews
March North Ranch Living
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A talented family of musicians
The Smith family
Preston, Parker and Peyton their golden retriever
North Ranch
FamilySpotlight: Meet the Smiths
The family that works and plays at home in North Ranch.
By Jodai Saremi, DPM
Photographed by Marvin Steindler
Don and Kerry Smith built their dream home in North Ranch
in 2005. Established in the construction and contracting business since the 1980s, they were very active in the planning and
development of their home. “When we purchased the vacant
lot, we were excited to be involved in all aspects of the building,”
says Kerry, who helps run part of the business, Agoura Sash &
Door, with her husband, Don, and his brother, Dan.
With the help of an architect and their own companies’ expertise (Smith Brothers , Inc.—a finish carpentry and general
contracting firm—and Agoura Sash & Door), they designed
a Tuscan/Old World stone villa, with lots of windows and an
interior courtyard to give it an open feel. Unique touches such
as hand-carved corbels to add to the authenticity of the house,
and solar energy to provide electricity, heat the household water
and the pool, were important details the Smiths oversaw during the two-year process. Outdoors, after the land was graded,
the Smiths were careful to tie into the Italian theme with their
landscaping choices, using native brush oaks, olive trees and
cypresses.
To christen their new home, the family adopted Peyton, a
rescued Golden Retriever, whom their boys, Parker (15) and
Preston (12), adore. The whole family shares the duties of walking Peyton, who also gets his exercise swimming in the backyard
pool, much to the amusement of Kerry. “At least he stays out of
our vegetable garden!” she says.
The Smiths take great advantage of living across from the NR
Country Club. “We love being close to the golf course where
the kids can ride their bikes to go play or practice,” says Kerry.
Each boy dedicates his time to his own pursuits: Preston is an
avid golfer and plays regularly at NR Country Club and competes in the Ventura County Junior Golf Association, while
Parker can be found behind the lens of a camera shooting videos and still photographs. Although the boys understandably
feel like they’re on vacation every day in the North Ranch area,
they don’t complain too much when their parents take them out
for “family time.”
Vacations tend to transport the Smiths a little farther from
home. Since Kerry is originally from Colorado and still has
Parker and Preston playing golf
Dan and Kerry Smith
family there, they spend a portion of the winter skiing in Colorado or, a bit closer, in Mammoth. As the weather warms up,
they take their boat out water skiing at Lake Nacimiento. On
occasion, you can find the Smiths at the Cayman Islands, Bend
Oregon and various other trips involving golf. As long as there
is an ocean or golf course nearby, Don, who is a dedicated golfer
and surfer, has a better excuse to take time off from running the
family business.
spent time together travelling, playing tennis and surfing over
the next nine years, she decided California and Don were good
reasons to stay put. Now she can’t imagine living anywhere else.
Kerry is just thankful that the office is close to home and fun
activities. “We love the outdoors,” says Kerry. “Many of our
activities are outside. We moved here because of the open areas,
the parks and the weather.” In fact, the Smiths played golf and
took part in the social scene at NR Country Club years before
they moved here. And after having a career that required lots
of highway and airplane travel at Microsoft for many years, the
five-minute commute felt like a godsend to her.
When Kerry first met Don, her neighbor in Calabasas, she
was a computer programmer and project engineer with aspirations of moving back to Colorado someday. But, as she and Don
While they like to travel, staying close to home is hardly a sacrifice. “There are so many reasons to stay local,” says Kerry. Their
favorite hangouts include the NR Country Club, Leila’s, Rustico and Cigale Café where they feel treated like family. Fitting
in volunteer work at her boys’ school, Viewpoint, and helping
with beach cleanup days and recycling programs round out her
non-working hours outside the family business. To relax, Kerry
runs marathons. (She will be participating in the Los Angeles
marathon coming up, and intends to choose autism as her cause
for running). She also finds pleasure in exploring the boutique
shops at Via Colinas for the latest shipments in furniture, fine
pottery and home décor.
The overall sense of complete satisfaction with life imbues
every conversation with the Smiths. “We often think how absolutely lucky we are to be in this unique area.” And truly it is
hard to disagree.
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NeighborhoodNews
Owner Linda Manasee
North Ranch Living March
Cozy dog pets
All pet lovers are welcome!
Business Beat
From Shaggy to Chic:
A Pet Boutique with Style
By Jodai Saremi, DPM
Photographed by Marvin Steindler
Shaggy Chic Pet Boutique and Spa is the brainchild of Linda
Manasee; three and a half years ago when she was between
jobs and laid up at home recuperating from a broken ankle,
she realized it was time to do something that made her truly
happy. Surrounded by her pets, all five of whom she had rescued,
Manasee was struck by how lucky she was: taking care of them
brought her joy and love. She wondered, “Wouldn’t it be great to
work with creatures like these who are blessings in my life?”And
the purrfect plan began to take shape.
Shaggy Chic Pet Boutique and Spa
A Gentle Touch
Address:
642 Lindero Canyon Road
Oak Park, CA 91377
Manasee, who is licensed through Ventura County, opened the
doors to Shaggy Chic Pet Boutique in January, 2008. Combining an upscale pet boutique with a dog spa that offers families
a safe and caring environment, pets are "showered" with tender,
loving care.“My staff members are compassionate and loyal with
a strong work ethic that shows in their experience and knowledge about skin care and grooming techniques,” says Manasee.
But her number one requirement is that all five of her employee’s areas “madly in love with animals” as she is.
Phone: (818) 879-9663
Business Hours:
Tuesday – Saturday
Grooming
8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Boutique
8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Email:
shaggychicpetboutique@gmail.com
This is especially important considering the types of pet clients
they come into contact with: “Since I opened this shop, I’ve
noticed that a high number of customers bring me dogs that
are rescues. The animals they rescue have special needs and for
NeighborhoodNews
March North Ranch Living
Plenty of selection in the store
this reason they may be hand-shy or have
other issues,” says Manasee. “We gladly
work with them and help our customers
focus on how they too might help their
pets. I hire staff with a deep integrity,
patience and great people skills. This
ensures a gentle and caring experience
during the grooming process.”
While the spa offers primarily groomingrelated services for dogs and cats, the
boutique is the perfect place to find
designer collars, leashes, harnesses,
clothing, accessories and cozy beds and
blankets. Special treatments such as aloe
and oatmeal shampoos or top-of-theline hypoallergenic,natural shampoos
and conditioners, brightening shampoo,
flea treatments and no-tear shampoo are
available in the spa and these products
are also available in the store. “Anything
I don’t believe in, I don’t carry,” says
Manasee. “If I won’t buy it, I won’t sell it.”
A Safe Haven
“We make sure our dogs and cats feel safe
and loved in a warm and cozy environment,” says Manasee. Besides monthly
anesthesia-free teeth cleaning and dog
licensing for the unincorporated areas in
Ventura County, every grooming detail
has been seen to. Temperature controls
are set so the water is warm. Tear-free
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Grooming a furry friend
shampoo is used for washing faces. New,
state-of-the-art grooming tables are
equipped with collar straps which are
carefully applied and fitted to ensure
safety at all times. This prevents pets
from falling or jumping off the grooming
tables.
Air dryers are temperature-controlled
to keep the cages cool while the dogs
or cats are being air-dried. It is protocol
that salon doors are always closed in the
grooming area to ensure that pets do not
sneak out for walks on their own. All
visiting animals are placed in securely
locked, towel-lined cages after being
groomed to maintain safety and security.
But since most appointments only last an
hour, owners plan to pick up their pets
accordingly.
If a dog has to stay longer than usual,
they are invited into the office with
Manasee where they have a snuggly
bed or blanket to lie on. “Most doggies
know that if they ask nicely (which they
always do) they can sit on my lap and get
plenty of hugs until their owner comes
to get them,” says Manasee. “Actually, my
favorite part of my work is being with the
dogs after their grooming. The looks on
their faces are priceless, as they know they
won't leave until they get their treat.”
Out and About
Shaggy Chic Pet Boutique & Spa
gives back by supporting local schools,
churches, temples, charities and various
rescue foundations. Manasee believes that
giving back is an important part of her
commitment to serving the community.
Sometimes this service takes an unconventional turn, like the time a miniature
pony was brought into the shop wearing
Nike® shoes and looking for a Halloween
costume. She and her staff put together
a few different outfits that were almost
a perfect fit for the pony, which, as it
turned out, was quite a little therapist on
hooves.“He made regular trips to hospitals and rescue events, and had also been
featured on Animal Planet,” says Manasee with a smile. “He was a delight!”
Developing the Dream
When asked about her plans for her business, Manasee sticks with her founding
motto. “My hopes for the future are to
keep providing a high quality service
for the community,” she says. In the
meantime, look for sales at the beginning of the year on selected merchandise
from the boutique and exciting specials
throughout the coming months. Please
visit www.shaggychicipetboutique.com
for updates.
continued on next page...
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NeighborhoodNews
North Ranch Living March
Business Beat
continued from previous page...
Tips about grooming dogs and cats at home
It is important for pet owners to learn
all they can about dog and cat grooming.
We go out of our way to give our customers daily tips to keep their pets healthy
and happy. No one intends to cause their
pet pain, but matted fur usually occurs
in areas where the hairs are pulled every
time the animal takes a step. Dogs will
even chew or lick the matted area, which
can cause more irritation since moisture
is trapped against the skin. This may lead
to sores, bruising, irritated skin and itchiness.
the pet to shave the fur off and start over.
We will not put your pet through an agonizing brush-out. It can cause bruising,
blood blisters, sores and a very stressful
experience at the groomers. We put the
comfort of your pet first and foremost.
Fur grows back readily, cleanly, and most
importantly, the dog or cat doesn’t suffer needless pain. Though they will look
slightly different without their fur, the
result is a happier pet. And remember, fur
grows back! In the meantime, keep the
following tips in mind:
Therefore, when a dog or cat is brought
in and we see that the matting cannot be
brushed out, it is in the best interest of
1. Do not bathe your cat or dog if there
is matting of their fur. It will only make
it worse.
2. If your pet has hair/fur that tangles
easily, brush them daily. Professional
brushes and combs are available in our
shop and we will happily instruct you on
how to use them.
3. Come in every week or two for a
brush-out to avoid matting, especially if
you find it difficult to do at home.
4. Shorthaired dogs should be bathed
anywhere from two to four weeks. This
gives us ample time to assess what specific needs are required for your pet.
March North Ranch Living
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North Ranch Living March
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NeighborhoodNews
By Scott Nelson
North Ranch Living March
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March North Ranch Living
Security
News
Laptop Security 101: Stay a Step Ahead
In our highly mobile society, laptop computers allow us to break free from the confines of our homes and
offices and still stay connected. But do you take appropriate steps to protect your machine and safeguard your
data? According to Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) statistics, 97 percent of stolen laptops are never
recovered. Stay a step ahead of potential thieves and keep your device—and the valuable information on it—
safe by following a few simple tips.
Put Barriers in Place
Use Common Sense
Prepare for the Worst-Case Scenario
Display your contact information in a visible location. Engrave or mark your laptop with your name, telephone number,
and e-mail address.
Avoid using a computer bag. Consider
transporting your machine in a less obvious target, e.g., a briefcase or a piece of
standard carry-on luggage.
Store minimal data. Don’t simply back
up your device—minimize the amount of
data that you keep on it.
Install alarm software. You probably have
an alarm installed in your car—why not
on your laptop?
Keep the device with you whenever possible. Do not put it in your checked luggage or leave it in a visible location in
your car.
Install tracking software. These programs
allow you to track and locate your stolen
computer once it is connected to the
Internet.
Use a security cable. Whenever possible,
attach your machine to an object that is
difficult or impossible to move.
Maintain eye contact. When you go
through security at the airport, keep an
eye on your computer at all times.
Encrypt your data. Many operating systems provide built-in functionality.
Do not store access information with
your laptop. Would you leave your keys in
your car? Do not keep passwords, access
codes, encryption keys, etc., with your
machine.
Do not allow your browser to store
your passwords. Stored passwords allow
thieves to gain access to your important
online accounts.
Scott Nelson is the president of Security & Risk Management Group, LLC (SRMG)
in Westlake Village, California, and an adjunct professor at the George Herbert Walker
School of Business & Technology (SBT) at Webster University. He was previously a U.S.
Marine Corps (USMC) officer; a senior executive in the Federal Bureau of Investigation
(FBI); and the vice president of security for both Warner Bros. Studios and Time Warner,
Inc. For more information, visit www.srmg-link.com or contact him directly at scottnelson@srmg-link.com or 818-482-0540.
Personalized Investment Services For
Affluent Families And Foundations.
We make house calls
We understand your time is valuable,
so we would be pleased to meet with you
at your home or office.
Please Call Us To Schedule A Consultation
2801 Townsgate Road, Suite 112 Westlake Village
805-230-8282 • WWW.WESTOAKCAP.COM
22
North Ranch Living March
NeighborhoodNews
March North Ranch Living
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the
Wine Bar
By Tim Ready
2008 North Ranch Ten, Pinot Noir,
Sonoma Coast, $Market Price
INC.
ALL PHASES OF TREE WORK
PRUNING • TOPPING • SHAPING • STUMP REMOVAL • ROOT REMOVAL • REMOVAL
I went skiing with my friend Charles
“Nip” McClave of McClave Jewelers. He
nearly skied me to death, and after the
doctor visits, X-Rays and MRI’s for my
torn up knee I damaged while skiing with
him and Pat Duffy, we opened a bottle of
a wine he and nine other North Ranch
residents had made with the help of an
experienced winemaker. They call it the
North Ranch Ten because I’m told the
ten (or so) guys got together to make
what they could consider a top-tier Pinot
Noir. I do think they did a very good job
with this wine, but it tastes more like a
blend rather than just Pinot. Very subtle
tannins with little or no acidity make this
an easy drinking wine, similar to a Claret.
On the back label they say the wine is
made by ten golfers (3 sandbaggers and 7
honest golfers) and in asking Nip what he
would rate his own wine, he said 99.5 on
a scale of 100. We’ll I guess I have now
confirmed one of the sandbaggers! This
wine is available only from the 10 guys
or at North Ranch CC. If you want a
bottle, call Nip at (805)496-4428.
- FREE ESTIMATES FULLY INSURED/BONDED
(818) 597-0449
ST. LIC. #721441
(805) 578-6500
www.goldcoasttreeservice.com
Always know that I have personally tasted these wines and I make sure my
local wine supplier has them in stock. Email me at tsready@yahoo.com if you
need help finding it.
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NeighborhoodNews
North Ranch Living March
March North Ranch Living
FinancialFitness
IS "PORTABILITY" THE SAME AS A BYPASS TRUST?
By Benjamin A. Brin, Esq.,
The newest buzzword in estate planning is "portability". Portability is a small part of the new tax law which allows you to
assign your unused estate tax credit to your surviving spouse.
But when the surviving spouse eventually passes away, their
whole estate is subject to taxation. They get to use only their
own $350,000 credit, not their deceased spouse's credit.
Until the new tax law was passed, the estate tax rate was 55%
-- meaning roughly 55% of your estate went directly to the
government when you die. But there are two caveats. First,
everything left to a spouse is tax-free. Second, everyone receives
a credit of about $350,000 against whatever tax they owe.
Enter the bypass trust. The bypass trust works by placing some
of the first spouse's assets in trust for the surviving spouse rather
than transferring them out-right. Only after the surviving
spouse passes away do the trust assets get distributed – typically
to the children.
It is very common for a couple's estate plan to provide that the
surviving spouse takes everything. In that case, no tax is owed
because the entire transfer is tax-free. The $350,000 credit is
unused and wasted.
The bypass trust reduces taxes because only the money put in
the trust is taxable and the first spouse's credit can be used to
reduce the tax owed. In the end, the same heirs receive more
because less tax is paid.
As an option, "portability" is great and may prove a benefit to
some people. But it is important that no one assume that the
new law automatically replaces the need to consider a bypass
trust. Even with the new temporary portability law, the bypass
trust will still be highly beneficial for many people.
Portability means that the surviving spouse can now add the
amount of their spouse's tax credit to their own without using a
bypass trust.
Answers to questions about portability and other topics are free
when submitted by email to BBrin@BrinLaw.com or by phone
at 888-611-BRIN.
But it would be a mistake to assume that therefore the bypass
trust is obsolete. In fact, the bypass trust has other advantages
which you do not want to ignore.
For example, the bypass trust is irrevocable. This means that
when you create the trust you have absolute certainty and control over how the funds will be used and where they will go.
Leaving them to a spouse, could result in those funds being
used or transferred in ways you would not want.
Another benefit of the bypass trust is that the assets it holds
are protected from creditors – voluntary and involuntary. So
your surviving spouse's credit card companies cannot ever access
those funds nor could a plaintiff in a lawsuit against your spouse.
Also, there are risks associated with leaving everything outright
to your spouse. Estate tax law is very inconsistent and the current law will last just two years. After that, anything can happen, meaning portability could be reversed and you could be left
paying a lot more in taxes unless you re-write your entire estate
plan.
Additionally, unlike a bypass trust, portability now requires an
administrator to file an estate tax return – even if the estate otherwise would not have had to file a return (many estates are not
required to file a tax return). If for any reason the administrator
fails to file the tax return, a significant tax could result.
There are other complicating factors as well, such as considering
the effects of re-marriage and the tax-basis of assets.
NeighborhoodNews
25
26
NeighborhoodNews
North Ranch Living March
NeighborhoodNews
March North Ranch Living
27
designelements
DES IG N WIT H H I S TORY I N M I N D
By Richard Harris
reform as more and more was learned
about the past, and cascaded throughout
virtually every segment of European
society, including art, literature, architecture, mathematics, philosophy, politics,
science and religion…Galileo, Leonardo
De Vinci, Shakespeare and Michelangelo
came into prominence during this period
of enlightenment.
We all enjoy the good taste that Italy
has to offer, whether it be fine wines,
food, cars, or art. Italian decorating and
design are no exception, clearly distinguished with fashionable interiors exhibiting rich colors, brilliant fabric mixes,
marble surfaces, arched doorways and
columns, wrought-iron fixtures, and time
worn antiques.
Far from snobby, Italian decorating is
casual and grand, yet comfortable and
uncluttered, where guests feel as comfortable as household family members.
The Renaissance period, marked by profoundly far-reaching cultural movements,
begin just as the Dark Ages were ending
during the 1300s, and as Europe was
recovering from the devastating Black
Plague, in which roughly half of her
population was wiped out. Coming out of
this bleak and dismal period, Renaissance
movement was born as ancient scrolls
from Greece and the Roman Empire
began to surface. With great renewed historical interest in the days of the Roman
Empire, excavation of relics and long buried cities in these regions (such as Pompeii and Herculaneum) began to teach
the 14th century scholars and historians
about all aspects of their societies from
centuries gone by. Rooted in Florence,
Italy, the Renaissance (meaning “rebirth”
or “reawakening”) brought on sweeping
sis on gathering fixtures with character.
Somewhat foreign to modern thinking,
mismatching furniture, lamps and other
fixtures, so long as they have historic and
aesthetic value, is encouraged.
TEX TUR ES
Discovery of these ancient ruins inspired
Italian artist, sculptors and architects of
the time to resurrect the styles, which had
long been forgotten from their ancestors
and Greek counterparts.
Terracotta tiling, a brownish-orange,
brick-like substance, is an integral characteristic in Italian decorating for floors
walls, roofs and other pottery. Waterproof
and extremely durable, terracotta will
add the right look for whatever use you
choose in and around your home.
As noted above, the styles emanating out of the Renaissance were direct
descendents from the brighter days of the
Roman Empire. Having just come out
of the Dark Ages, however, Renaissancestyled furniture with it Gothic influences
as well, resulting in highly ornate and
detailed dark woodcarvings that were
not present in furniture a thousand years
prior. Furniture manufactured in Italy
during the Renaissance played a crucial
role on how French and English furniture
design would cultivate over the coming
centuries.
Hardwood floors, either planked or
parquet, are laid throughout the home.
Marble is another common material
found in Italian décor, which can also be
used throughout the home. Along wood
flooring and marble which are durable,
Venetian plaster, which is cream colored,
decorative stucco, is another popular
choice for adding texture to walls, and
dates back hundreds of years in Italian
design. Furniture with exposed carved
wood trim and legs along with colorful
upholstery and pillows will give the room
a look of Old World design.
F U RNI TU RE
LIGHTING
Traditional Italian Renaissance furniture
was constructed of woods such as oak,
ebony, walnut and rosewood. Dining
room sets, cabinets, bookshelves, and
monumental, timeworn, hand painted
cabinets are all good choices to consider
for bringing back some of Italy’s fabled
past. Italian decorating places empha-
Old World-style, wrought iron antique
candle wall sconces outlining the room-along with large and ornate matching
chandelier--provide for ample period
Italian decorating nostalgia. Shimmering
candlelight, from iron or steel candelabras
and wall sconce on paintings, mirrors and
walls adds a special glow to the room’s
ambience. Distressed copper or cast iron
table and floor lamps also work very nicely in rooms where entertaining and ordinary living occurs. Also Lighting includes
period reproduction pieces such as crystal
chandeliers, standing or table lamps with
a variety of different fabric shades and
stained glass. Peach colored bulbs will add
to the aged effect. The primary source for
lighting up until electricity was commonplace came from candles and lanterns. So,
candlestick holders made of iron, brass,
pewter or crystal, and wall sconces, with
lower light levels and flickering flames, all
add to a certain ageless intimacy to the
room.
COLOR S
Weathered and muted colors in the Old
World decorating palette are derived
from the land on which it resides. The
ubiquitous burnt orange-red hews of
terracotta, cinnamon, olive and cypress
greens, leather dark wood browns, burgundy, lavender and cool Mediterranean
sea blue make up the primary colors
used in Old World Styles. The term “Old
World” refers to a timeless look in European decorating that spans over fifteen
centuries. Old World Design influences
over the centuries provides for a wide
array of historical and old aged beauty to
choose from when decorating your home.
At VINTAGE VILLA HOME
COLLECTION we believe in creating
timeless and intimate environments our
team works together to create distinctive
designs, which are tailored to the lifestyle
and desires of each client. The initiation
of every design is rooted in the desire to
create an environment that is intimate in
personality and considerate in execution.
Our goal is to help each of our clients to
discover what it means to live well.
VINTAGE VILLA HOME
COLLECTION strives to provide
our customers what is known as OLD
WORLD in design, which we consider
our specialty at an affordable price.
Richard Harris is a principal of
VINTAGE VILLA HOME
COLLECTION
31149 Via Colinas, Westlake Village, Ca. 91362 818.889.8647
www.vintagevillahomecollection.com
28
NeighborhoodNews
North Ranch Living March
HOME-STYLED
Undergoing Clutter Detox
By Marsha Webster, The@Home Groupie
Have any home-living tips to share? Send them to
mrlwebster@yahoo.com.
Spring has almost sprung, and with that comes the dreaded spring
cleaning. But before you start decluttering, understand your clutter
personality and some coping skills to keep you out of spring-cleaning
rehab.
The Hoarder. “This might come in handy someday.” Insecurity
is the underlying cause of hoarding. Deep down, you fear that
if you let go of possessions, you’ll never have the resources you
need in life. Coping skills: Remind yourself that resources are
plentiful when you need them. Magazines are indexed at the
library, kitchenware is discounted at yard sales, small appliances
can be found at the thrift store – think of these as household
vaults that you can deposit and withdraw from. So gather those
decade-old publications, miss-matched utensils, and rickety
appliances, and recycle them.
The Deferer. “I’ll think about that tomorrow.” Procrastination
is the vice of deferrers. Guilty of the great set-aside, rather than
keep a rolling ball in motion, you choose to pick it back up and
start over, again and again. Coping skills: Just finish what you
start, one task, and one check off the checklist at a time. Keep in
mind that putting off decisions drags you down with unfinished
business that only multiplies, leaving you too overwhelmed to
deal with them.
The Rebel. “I don’t wanna and you can’t make me!” Blame is
the heart of the matter with rebels. Perhaps, forced to pick up
after themselves as children, Mom’s OCD is at fault. Coping
skills: Take off the stubborn armor and realize that the war is
over. Remember, you don’t live with Mom anymore - you’re the
authority figure now. You’ve reached a milestone and owe it to
yourself to make your new home a nicer place to live and for
people to visit.
The Perfectionist. “Next week, I’ll organize everything – perfectly.” It’s an allor-nothing world with you. A less than
perfect job is unacceptable, so if you don’t
have 110% to give, you choose zero. Coping skills. Don’t forget the 20/80 rule:
20% of every job takes care of 80% of the
problem. Don’t wait until you can buy
the perfect shelf paper, lid holder organizer and color-coded labels to tidy up
the overflowing kitchen cabinets. Make
strides and progress. Fixing the remaining
20% will gobble up 80% of the job.
Join me next month for more quick ideas
to “create the home you’re a fan of ”. Have
any home-living tips to share? Send them
to mrlwebster@yahoo.com.
29
March North Ranch Living
Memorial
on Lindero Canyon
Many of you have driven past the memorial of flowers and
purple ribbons on Lindero south of Kanan. A local resident lost
his life in a domestic dispute and altercation. We respect the
privacy of the family and they are in our prayers. This is terrible
reminder that we are all vulnerable and things happen, even in
our own back yard. For further information on the incident we
suggest you contact the police department.
Meadow Gardens
www.meadowgardensinc.com
818-879-9555
• Fountains
• Pottery
• Giſts
• Garden Accessories
• European Non Breakable
Dinnerware for
Outdoor Living
• Angel in our
Mist Statue Art
Summer Hours: Open Mon-Sat 10-5 • Sun 11-4
31149 Via Colinas Ste. 604 • Westlake Village
1
30 Tour&Travel
North Ranch Living March
31
March North Ranch Living
day
in Bangkok
for Less than
10 dollars
If you’re traveling on a budget, Southeast
Asia is a great place to do it in. Once you
get here, it’s easy to keep the cost of living
very low, and have an amazing time on
just a few bucks.
Take your pick from our recommendations to build your itinerary for a great
day in Bangkok, for less than $10 – and
easily around $5.
Start the day with a visit to one of many
incredible temples in Bangkok, one of the
city’s biggest draws. It’s best to begin in
the morning, before the day steams up in
Thailand’s famously muggy heat.
The royal monastery from the days of
King Rama I of the Chakri Dynasty
(1782-1809) is located in the heart of
Bangkok, where the ancient city once
stood. While there are literally hundreds
of Buddha statues around the sprawling
complex – rows and rows of them aligning the courtyard walls and many more in
freestanding temples – the big draw is the
huge, golden Reclining Buddha.
The site of this serene Buddha at the
moment of Enlightenment is truly aweinspiring, and perhaps the most magnificent Buddha I have ever seen. Ashes
of King Rama I are kept underneath the
reclining statue. You can even get a massage at the famous massage clinic, located
at the back of the compound.
After gazing in wonder at the temples,
ease your feet and stomach with the
gastronomical delight that is Thai food.
Bangkok is one of the best cities in the
world for delicious, cheap street food –
from tiny one-person carts to little sidewalk restaurants offering shaded tables.
As with virtually any city along the water,
Bangkok has no shortage of tourist boats
to take you along the Chao Phraya River,
sometimes including dinner or a show –
and all for a steep tourist price. But you
can cruise the entire length of the river
within the city for about fifty cents, by
taking the public water taxi. Along the
way, you can glimpse amazing temples
such as Wat Arun and Wat Pho, as well
as see a lot of local happenings.
Next, you should carve out time in your
schedule to view the Jim Thompson
house. Although the admission ticket is
slightly higher than other attractions I’ve
highlighted for a cheap day in Bangkok,
it’s half-price for students of any age, and
well worth a visit. This peaceful enclave
holds an incredible traditional Thai teakwood home that belonged to American
entrepreneur Jim Thompson, who fell in
love with Thailand during WWII and
returned after the war to make his home
here.
And what a home it is – Thompson salvaged six houses to put together in this
one beautiful building full of an incredible collection of antiquities and artwork,
some as old as the 7th century Buddha
that graces the entrance courtyard.
Thompson was responsible for reviving
the hand-woven Thai silk industry and
creating huge interest through worldwide
exportation; he mysteriously disappeared
on a hike into the Malaysian jungle in
1967, but his Bangkok home is a cool
respite in the bustling city, and a glimpse
into bygone Thailand. If your trip to
Bangkok includes a Saturday or Sunday,
head to the Chatuchak Weekend Market.
As a huge farmer /artisan/ flea market
fan, this is one of the best markets I’ve
been to anywhere in the world. The massive labyrinth includes loosely organized
sections for clothing, house wares, pottery
and china, handicrafts, even modern art
and incredible antique shops.
Article Source: www.gonomad.com
VINTAGE VILLA 818-889-8647
OAKS FLORIST 818-991-5444
32
RealEstateResource
North Ranch Living March
Featured properties may not be listed by the office/agent presenting this brochure.
Source Multiple Listing Service. All information herein has not been verified and is not guaranteed.
Supplied by Tim Freund Dilbeck Estates *REO **Short Sale
Address
5557 Eagle Point Cir.*
1798 Blue Hill Ct.
1172 Deep Wood Dr.
4525 Rayburn
1630 Windy Mountain Ave.
1921 Smokey Ridge Ave.
1541 Falling Star Ave.
1225 Canyon Rim Cir.
4003 Cresthaven Dr.
3917 Cresthaven Dr. **
1704 Uppper Ranch Rd.
4199 Arrowhead Cir.
5566 Little Fawn Ct.
5184 Oxley Pl.
1087 Country Valley Rd.
1118 Country Valley Rd.
879 Country Valley Rd.**
740 Country Valley Rd.
Neighborhood
Braemar
Master Series
Custom
Custom
Custom
Whitehawk
Whitehawk
Custom
Custom
Custom
Custom
Custom
Custom
Custom
Country Club Estates
Country Club Estates
Country Club Estates
Country Club Estates
List Price
$749,900
$699,900
$1,099,000
$1,150,000
$1,200,000
$1,399,000
$1,379,000
$1,339,900
$1,850,000
$1,480,000
$1,625,000
$1,594,000
$1,599,000
$2,300,000
$2,695,000
$2,900,000
$3,300,000
$4,000,000
Sale Price
$630,000
$675,000
$1,017,000
$1,090,000
$1,200,000
$1,246,000
$1,250,000
$1,300,000
$1,350,000
$1,350,000
$1,460,000
$1,470,000
$1,475,000
$1,860,000
$2,275,000
$2,800,000
$2,800,000
$3,000,000
Sold Date
01/14/11
10/06/10
01/21/11
10/05/10
11/22/10
12/30/10
12/12/10
11/19/10
01/05/11
10/13/10
01/14/11
11/05/10
10/25/10
10/14/10
01/27/11
12/07/10
12/17/10
01/21/11
DOM
56
214
46
205
49
80
111
126
392
129
113
78
455
106
40
48
119
684
Beds
4
3
4
4
5
5
3
4
5
5
4
4
5
6
5
6
5
7
Baths
3
3
3.5
4
6
3.5
3
5
5
4.5
4.5
5
5
8
4.5
6
6
8.5
SqFt
2,977
2,117
3,074
4,458
4,405
3,615
2,985
4,078
4,891
4,868
4,076
4,000
4,898
8,000
6,090
6,869
6,791
7,341
March North Ranch Living
33
34
YoungLife
North Ranch Living March
NeighborhoodNews
March North Ranch Living
35
Health &
Wellness
By Susan Nowell
Our Skin
The skin is considered the largest organ of the body and has
many different functions. It is our buffer against the ravages of
sun, wind, earth, water and fire. It has a big job. To make the
skin’s job even harder, it can be hindered from within without
proper nutrition, and it will deteriorate excessively from aging if
not cared for.
Skin does come with one redeeming feature, that is, a regeneration and healing response system. Skin is renewed whenever
it is damaged, be it scratches, cuts, burns, sunburn, sandstorm,
chemical burn, laser burn, or exfoliation crème to name a few.
Any of these can trigger the skin organ’s repair and healing
system to output collagen and elastin to rebuild and rebind the
cellular and surface structure.
Why settle for
anything else?
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1321 E Thousand Oaks Blvd (Behind Roxy’s Deli)
www.mathnasium.com/thousandoaks
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Skin is nourished by application of topic cosmeceuticals, and
nutrients flushing the tissues from the blood and the lymphatic
system. This nourishment is only as effective as the combination
of the ability of the skin to absorb externally and the frequency
and efficiency of bringing nutrients internally to what is known
as the dermis.
The skin is an extremely complex organ that actually derives
from the same tissue, in the embryo, as the brain. With this in
mind, it is easy to correlate the many sense organs in the skin
with the development of the nervous system. Psychologically,
the skin represents the barrier from the external world; it acts
to separate us from the. Our skin protects us and mirrors our
many moods. Our self-image is dependent on the appearance
of our skin. Seeing the importance of this organ, skin blemishes
that may appear insignificant from the clinical point of view,
have the capacity to alter, sometimes deeply, a person’s concept
of self. Using non-invasive methods, we at Aviante Health and
Wellness center can help you to improve the appearance of your
skin. The appearance of the skin can have a dramatic influence
on the quality of our life.
Aviante Health and Wellness Center, 778-A Greenwich Dr,
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
805-914-9249 or 818-661-8732 www.avaintehwc.com
36
North Ranch Living March
March
37
March North Ranch Living
LOCAL EVENTS
Neighborhood News
Find North Ranch Living on facebook
Many of you have contacted us wanting additional copies of the publication or past
issues to show family, friends or colleagues etc. Now they can visit our North Ranch
Living page to view the past publications and albums. Please look us up North Ranch
Living and say you "Like" it and become part of the page.
Monday, March 14
Spring Cooking Class
Where: Padri Restaurant & Martini Bar, 29008 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills
When: 7:00pm
Learn & taste as our Chef Saverio Posarelli prepares a delicious
spring menu, $75.00 per person.
For more information: 818/865-3700, padrirestaurant.net
Tuesday, March 15
OCS Band Bonanza
Where: Oaks Christian School
When: 7:00pm
An evening featuring all string orchestras.
For more information: 818-575-9900, www.oakschristian.org
Thursday, March 24
Antinori Wine Dinner
Where: Padri Restaurant & Martini Bar, 29008 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills
When: 7:00pm
Come savor a delectable 5 course dinner & fine wines. A speaker will
be present to discuss the wines.
For more information: 818/865-3700, padrirestaurant.net
Thursday, March 24 – Saturday, March 26
Into the Woods
Where: Oaks Christian School
When: 7:00pm
High school spring musical.
For more information: 818-575-9900, www.oakschristian.org
Saturday, March 26
Ultimate Heroes Dinner and Dance
Where: 1375 Janss Road
When: 6pm-9:30pm
Sponsored by the City of Thousand Oaks Youth Commission and
the Conejo Valley Recreation and Park District Therapeutic Recreation Division, this event is hosted for individuals with disabilities
13 years and up. The suggested dress is your favorite Super Hero
costume, Fire, Police, or whoever your hero is!
For more information: www.crpd.org
Tuesday, April 5
Wii Will Rock You
Where: Thousand Oaks Library, Newbury Park Branch
When: 3:30pm-5pm
A fun afternoon of games and snacks for teens 12 and up. Enjoy
DDR, Rock Band, Wii, Sorry, Twister, Jenga and snacks with your
friends.
For more information: 805-498-2139
Thursday, April 7
Kid’s Club with Michelle’s Musical Playhouse
Where: Food Court Patio
When: 10am
Michelle is an award winning children's musician who has a wonderful collection of toe tapping toddler time fun! She has her own
collection of interactive songs and mixes in some tunes everyone
will recognize and sign along with!
For more information: 805-495-2032
Send any calendar submissions 2 months in advance to gayle.barnes@n2pub.com
Look us up at: http://www.facebook.com/NorthRanchLiving
38
NeighborhoodNews
North Ranch Living March
VolunteerSpotlight
Cancer Hope Foundation's
2nd Annual Casino Night
42nd Annual Westlake
Women’s Club Fashions on Parade
By Cate Brown, Media Chair
Saturday, April 9, 2011, 7:00-11:00 pm
(Doors open 6:30) Dos Vientos Community Center
4801 Borchard Rd., Newbury Park
Ticket prices are $40 in advance and $45
at the door. Silent auction, raffle, drinks, appetizers
and more.
www.cancerhopefoundation.org.
The mission of Cancer Hope Foundation is to enhance the lives of people
affected by cancer. Our energies are currently concentrated on Camp Keepsake,
a program which offers a cost-free camp
retreat for adult cancer patients/survivors,
their children and friends. Camp Keepsake provides support in an energetic and
fun atmosphere. The invitation is extended to family members, close friends, and
caregivers, hoping that they too will benefit from their visit to Camp Keepsake
If you would like more information about
Cancer Hope Foundation, please call
(805)384-5445 or e-mail info@cancerhopefoundation.org.
The Westlake Women’s Club, in coordination with The Oaks Shopping Center,
will present its 42nd Annual Fashions
on Parade at the Hyatt Westlake Plaza
Hotel. Held on Friday, April 1, 2011, the
celebration of lunch with friends for fun
and fashion brings in hundreds of fashionistas and tens of thousands of dollars
for charity each year.
Champagne and shopping pair-up from
ten until noon during the Social Hour as
ticket holders arrive early to bid on gift
baskets and purchase designer items from
the day’s vendors. A gourmet luncheon
served at noon in the hotel’s Grand Ballroom is then followed by The Oaks upbeat fashion show’s superb finale.
Included on the list of the many charities
benefiting from the popular event’s proceeds over the years are MANNA, Hospice of the Conejo, New West Symphony
Youth Music, Wellness Community and
the libraries of Thousand Oaks and Westlake Village.
Tickets are $75.00 and may be purchased
by contacting Ann Nelson, 818-9912790. The Westlake Women’s Club
website is: www.westlakewomensclub.org.
If you do volunteer work or are involved
with a charity please let us know at
gayle.barnes@n2pub.com.
March North Ranch Living
39
PRSRT STD
US POSTAGE PAID
WILMINGTON NC
PERMIT NO. 40
north ranch
Three Premiere
restaurants offering the
ultimate dining experience
Top rated restaurants by Zagat Guide,
Veroelli Guide & Michelin Dining Guide
The way it was meant to be
www.Tuscany-Restaurant.com
23683 Old Calabasas Rd., Calabasas 818-224-2163
1125 Lindero Canyon, North Ranch 818-889-0191
968 S. Westlake Blvd, Westlake Village 805-495-2768